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New Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) Based on the Prius Introduced

Discussion in 'Prius, Hybrid, EV and Alt-Fuel News' started by jkash, Mar 29, 2005.

  1. jkash

    jkash Member

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    Valence Technology, a developer of large-format Lithium-ion rechargeable batteries, and EnergyCS, a developer of integration control systems, are introducing a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) concept car based on a 2004 Toyota Prius.

    To be shown at the 21st Worldwide International Battery, Hybrid and Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle Symposium & Exhibition (EVS 21) in Monaco next week, the PHEV uses Valence’s phosphate-based Lithium-ion battery system.

    As designed and programmed, the Prius has a driver-selectable EV (electric vehicle) drive mode. When toggled, EV mode turns off the combustion engine and the Prius functions as an all electric vehicle—particularly good for starting up and neighborhood travel. The default EV driving mode can be used for about one mile with a maximum speed of about 34 mph. EV mode is not currently activated for Priuses bound for the US, although it is on models in Japan and Asia.

    In its stock EV mode, however, the Prius is not very satisfying. The battery pack wasn’t selected with extended EV operation in mind, and, more critically, the vehicle can’t plug in to recharge the batteries. Staying far away from a plug-in was part of Toyota’s planning, and remains part of the marketing for the car. Toyota took special care especially during the roll out of this version of the Prius to point out that it did NOT plug in.

    The California Cars Initiative (CalCars), a non-profit startup dedicated to jump-starting the market for plug-in hybrids (PHEV), has also been working on building a prototype Prius (the Prius+) capable of functioning as a plug-in hybrid and running in full EV (electric vehicle) mode for longer distances than possible with the original Toyota equipment.

    With a more capable battery pack extending EV operation of the car, the Valence/EnergyCS prototype delivers up to 180 mpg for an average commute of 50–60 miles per day. The vehicle will also be part of the Monte-Carlo Fuel Cell & Hybrid Rallye on April 2.

    The Valence batteries use a phosphate-based cathode material rather than the cobalt-oxide used in traditional Li-ion cells. Phosphates are stable in overcharge or short circuit conditions and have the ability to withstand high temperatures without decomposing. When abuse does occur, phosphates are not prone to thermal runaway and will not burn.

    In addition to being more stable and safer, the the phosphate-based batteries offer better longevity and discharge than their cobalt-oxide counterparts.

    http://www.greencarcongress.com/2005/03/ne...lugin_hybr.html
     
    #1 jkash, Mar 29, 2005
  2. prius04

    prius04 New Member

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    This was brought up a few weeks ago. The guys spearheading this have their own website. It requires a subscription so you can only get a little info without a fee, but it still has some good info.

    And some may want to subscribe and that way do your own small part to help bring a plug in to market.

    I'm keeping an eye out for the date I can add this to my car, though I doubt I can afford it right off.

    This the Priuschat thread on this:
    http://www.priuschat.com/forums/150mpg-pri...ius-vt7120.html

    Heres the site where these guys live.
    http://www.evworld.com/view.cfm?section=ar...cle&storyid=818
     
    #2 prius04, Mar 29, 2005
  3. jayman

    jayman Senior Member

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    I was watching a blurb yesterday on Canadian Discovery Channel's show "Daily Planet." They're in Japan this week and went for a ride in an experimental Li-powered electric car with a 300km range and good driving characteristics.

    Only problem is the cost of the special experimental batteries, around $240,000 Cdn for one car. But the car does use regenerative braking to assist in extending the life of the batteries.

    Unfortunately, their web site doesn't go into any detail. It's just a hodge-podge of glam and adverts. Since it's put on by Bell Canada I'm not surprised:

    http://www.exn.ca/dailyplanet/

    I'll try to catch a repeat and will have to be quick with a pen to get the name of that experimental car.
     
    #3 jayman, Mar 29, 2005
  4. jayman

    jayman Senior Member

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    Well, I didn't have to wait for a repeat. I emailed a friend who immediately knew what I was asking for:

    http://www.eliica.com

    The ELIICA (Electric LIthium Ion battery CAr) prototype appears to be promising, but it obviously needs a lot of work to hit maintstream.

    BTW: is there an English site? I can't read Japanese!
     
    #4 jayman, Mar 29, 2005
  5. Arroyo

    Arroyo Member

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    #5 Arroyo, Mar 29, 2005
  6. jayman

    jayman Senior Member

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    Wow that would be *perfect* for the city driving I do here. Manitoba Hydro has a large surplus of electricity that is exported to the United States, with plans to almost double that capacity with a new dam.

    Right now the power costs 5.78 cents for the first 175 KWh and 5.496 KWh for the remainder, with a basic service charge of $6.25. So an electric car makes sense here.
     
    #6 jayman, Mar 30, 2005
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